Below is a release sent out by Iowa State Athletic CommunicationsAMES, Iowa – For the first time in school history, the Iowa State football team will play two regular-season games across ESPN networks.The 2011 Iowa State home game against Oklahoma State on Friday night, Nov. 18 was originally set for Saturday Nov. 19, but ESPN offered the schools national TV exposure on Friday.“Earning a second national TV contest on ESPN is important for the growth of our program,” Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “This is also another opportunity for our recruits and alums to see the Cyclones play on national television.”Earlier this year, Iowa State’s non-conference game at Connecticut was shifted to Friday, Sept. 16. Pollard said Iowa State generally prefers to play on Saturday. But, each opportunity merits study and discussion.“In this particular case, there is no conflict with the regular season for high school football in our state,” Pollard said. “It’s the same as last fall when our Missouri home game was played the same evening as the state finals.”Pollard also added that Iowa State closes for Thanksgiving on Nov. 21, so moving the Oklahoma State game a day earlier eased concerns for students heading home for the holiday.“Our department met with student leaders and the President’s leadership team to discuss the opportunity, and the feedback was that playing Friday night was beneficial in regards to the student body’s travel plans,” Pollard said.
